It’s buried on page 127 of Burlington’s proposed 2021 capital budget, but it could be important to the residents of Aldershot.
The city is proposing upgrades to Hidden Valley Park that represent the first step toward resolving a long-standing problem.
According to the proposal, the city wants to make “changes to underground infrastructure to better accommodate special events.”
The Aldershot Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.) has been pushing for the utility improvements for years so that it can better host events in the park.
“The challenge we have is the lack of sound and electrical systems, which make running a special event there very difficult,” according to Judy Worsley, executive director of the B.I.A.
“Essentially we are looking into upgrading the water and electrical services in the lower section of the park to accommodate small special events. This will provide the community with access to potable [drinking] water. It will also [allow] event organizers or the city to run a portable transformer if required,” explained Marion Rabeau, senior landscape architect, in an email.
She went on to describe the upgrades as “modest.”
Modest or not, Worsley is excited about the improvements.
“B.I.A. was thrilled to learn of the upgrade to Hidden Valley Park. Hidden Valley is a gem in Aldershot and could be utilized to hold small concerts, fairs, and other gatherings.”
The proposed upgrades also include the replacement of the playground, swing, pavement, and site furnishings in the lower section of the park and are predicted to cost $1.095 million.
Members of council will meet on January 12, 2021, to review any changes to the capital budget and then forward it on to council for final approval on January 19, 2021.
